How to Process Being an Empty Nester

Well & Worthy Life | A Podcast for Midlife Women

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt episode, Deanna processes being an empty nester, the role of mothering adult children, and preparing herself as her youngest son makes a big move across the country to start a new beginning with his wife.

Questions Answered

• What are some strategies to use in the transition of being an empty nester?
• What grounds Deanna when she’s grieving the changes of motherhood?
• Is it ok to have boundaries with adult children after they’ve left home?
• What are the key steps to moving through the empty nest season with grace?

Action Items

• Go on a walk in nature when grieving transitions of motherhood to help find peace.
• In the episode, Deanna mentions a blog post she wrote about grown children moving back home and how to make it work. Read the post, "A Point of View From My Son - The Boomerang Kid"
• Check out more posts and podcasts of mine on the topic:
  • Update on my boomerang child and what I learned (post)
  • Discovering what is next when you become an empty nester (post)
  • Making the most of the empty nest stage (podcast episode)
  • Reinventing yourself

Key Moments in the Conversation

[4:45] The beautiful and hard truth is we raise our children to go off and live on their own and have their own lives.

[9:11] The job of being a mom never ends and there are many feelings we have along the way. As they leave home it’s like this emptiness all at once. The good news is I know it passes.

[9:55] One of the best things I have found is to get out in nature and go for a walk when the emotions get strong.

[11:54] We're supposed to raise these kids to go off on their own and have a great life. And that's all I want for my sons.

[19:26] It's never too late to explore anything you want to explore and try new things.